Wildfire relief efforts and athletics partnerships

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

Education Credit Union Foundation collects donations for wildfire relief efforts

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To support and aid the Texas Panhandle during its challenging battle against wildfires, the Education Credit Union Foundation is collecting donations for relief efforts.

These donations will benefit the Stinnett Fire Department, Borger Fire Department, Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, and the Hutchinson County United Way.

“The devastation of these wildfires has had such a significant impact on our neighbors, members, and team members,” said Education CU Foundation Board President and Education CU President/CEO Marcus Smith. “The donations that we are collecting will go straight back to those communities affected to rebuild.”

To donate, visit the ECU Foundation website and select “2024 Wildfire Relief Efforts” from the “My Donation is for” drop-down menu.

Red River CU and Texas A&M-Texarkana unveil plans for athletics complex

Red River Credit Union executives, alongside officials from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, gathered with university stakeholders and community members to announce details of the upcoming RRCU Athletics Complex to be constructed on the A&M-Texarkana campus near Bringle Lake.

The comprehensive facility will feature baseball and softball fields, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, pickleball courts, and beach volleyball courts, complemented by amenities such as a food court, event center, ticket booth, and sports performance center.

“Red River is thrilled to partner with Dr. Alexander and Texas A&M Texarkana in its new RRCU Athletic Complex,” said Brad Baily, RRCU president/CEO, pictured above right with Dr. Ross Alexander and RRCU Board of Directors President Fred Milton. “Giving back to the community and helping our members simultaneously is a win-win for us. RRCU is proud and excited to be a part of the success of TAMUT.”

“This marks a pivotal moment for our institution,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, president of A&M-Texarkana. “The significance of this complex for our athletic programs, student body, and the wider community cannot be overstated. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Red River Credit Union for their steadfast support, not only to our university but to the greater Texarkana region. It’s truly an exciting time to be part of the A&M-Texarkana family.”

Construction is expected to begin in the spring with expected completion in 18 to 20 months. 

_{RRCU staff and board volunteers with Texas A&M-Texarkana  President Ross Alexander.}

Greater Texas recognizes longtime partnership with Texas State University

Greater Texas Credit Union presented the Texas State University athletics department with a special framed football jersey to recognize the university’s longstanding partnership with the $1 billion credit union, as well as to celebrate its athletic achievements.

Greater Texas Credit Union President/CEO Howard Baker presented the gift to Texas State Athletic Director Don Coryell (pictured right). 

Competing for championships and setting records are now the norm for the Bobcats, as Texas State Athletics is stronger and more successful than ever. Winners of two of the last five Sun Belt Conference Vic Bubas Cups as the conference’s all-sports champion, success continues to build. Most recently, the 2023 Bobcat Football team brought home their first-ever bowl win as a Football Bowl Subdivision team. 

The university has also seen record attendance across multiple sports and is embarking on an exciting capital improvement campaign to enhance its facilities and experiences for athletes and fans alike.

As an official athletics partner since 2018, Greater Texas Credit Union leverages visibility of the partnership to highlight its active support across the university community, most notably in the McCoy School of Business. There the credit union provides financial, program, and volunteer support for students and McCoy School leaders. In 2020, the credit union funded the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union Tommy D. Seargeant endowed scholarship for McCoy School students in honor of the man who served as Greater Texas’ CEO for nearly 41 years.

“As we present this token of appreciation to formally recognize the enduring bond between our credit union and Texas State University, we know it is not just about wins on the field, but about our shared objectives of educating and preparing young Texans for leadership,” said Baker. “Here's to continuing our journeys together, making positive impacts for students, communities, and our members.”

Baker added, “This jersey appropriately bears both the Bobcat and Greater Texas logos, signifying our commitment to being on the same team now and for many years to come.”